The relationship between salt and hypertension is the focus of a large amount of research in adults; however, data on childhood is insufficient. The aim of this study was to evalaute the link between dietary sodium - potassium intake and hypertension in children.

A total of 54 children, 29 female, median age 14.3 years (8.1-17.4 years), were included in the study. 34 children (63%) was diagnosed as hypertension on ABPM. BMI in children with and without hypertension were similar (31.4±7.74 and 27.43±10.55, p=0.11).
On dietary pattern, dietary sodium intake was <1500 mg/day in 6 children, 1500 -2500 mg/day in 31 and >2500 mg/day in 17; dietary potassium intake was >700 mg/day in 3 children, 700-2800 mg/day in 49, >2800 mg/day in 2.
Dietary sodium intake, dietary potassium intake, 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion, HOMA-IR, serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were not different between children with and without hypertension (all p>0.05). Serum HDL levels of children with hypertension (40.94±8.02) were lower than children without hypertension (49.20±8.41, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

We did not find any association between dietary pattern, sodium and potassium intake and hypertension. Further research is needed to evalaute the link between dietary sodium/ potassium intake and hypertension in children.